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Cinderella Sparkles in Darlington this Christmas

The cast of Darlington’s family pantomime - Ray Quinn, Deena Payne and Emma Stephens - brought a little piece of early Christmas cheer to the town as they officially launched this year’s Civic Theatre production of Cinderella.

Ray Quinn, in the role of Prince Charming, has become one of the UK’s most high-profile performers since his appearance on the X Factor finals, and then winning Dancing on Ice. In 2008 he starred in the West End production of Grease at the Piccadilly Theatre playing Danny and he is currently starring in the West End musical Dirty Dancing.

Deena Payne, known to millions of television viewers as the feisty postmistress Viv Hope in Emmerdale, plays the Fairy Godmother. Deena became the longest-serving female cast member in the soap, clocking up 18 years. She was recently seen in the national tour of the play Calendar Girls.

Emma Stephens trained at Laine Theatre Arts and shot to fame when she starred as Sandy, with Ray, in the West End musical Grease. Emma will play opposite her Prince Charming, Ray Quinn, in the role of Cinderella.

Also joining the cast on stage at Christmas is comedy legend, Jimmy Cricket. Twenty one years ago Jimmy played the role of Buttons in Cinderella at the Civic Theatre, and this year he returns playing the role of Baron Hardup.

Michael Harrison, Managing Director of Qdos Entertainment’s Pantomime Division and executive producer of Cinderella, said:

“There’s no doubt that Cinderella is the most popular fairytale of them all and we’re delighted to give Darlington audiences a pantomime to remember.”

Cinderella runs at the Civic Theatre from Saturday 3 December 2011 to Sunday 15 January 2012. Tickets can be booked on 01325 486555 or by visiting Darlington Arts

- by Jane Blagden

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